Seahawks: Paul Richardson Bio

Richardson is undersized, but also has rare speed, even by NFL standards, which is why the Seahawks say they were prepared to pick him at the end of the first round before trading back.

Richardson set school records with 83 catches and 1,343 yards in 2013, showing he was fully recovered from the ACL tear that caused him to miss the 2012 season. Despite his lack of size, the Seahawks see a playmaker in Richardson, and someone who won’t be overmatched even against opposing defensive backs.

“You’re watching him and you keep telling yourself he’s too small, he’s too small, he’s thin, and all he does is get open and make plays,” said Seahawks area scout Matt Berry. “Everybody on the field knows he’s who they’re trying to go to, and he still comes through.”

As for that speed, Richardson was timed in the 40-yard dash at 4.33 seconds at the scouting combine — blazing fast speed — yet was disappointed in that: “I didn’t run as well as I would’ve liked to at the combine.”

Richardson said he ran an electronically-timed 4.28 in January while prepping for the combine. But if his speed isn’t in question, Richardson’s size is. He said he played at just 158 to 161 pounds last season, but is now up to 183. And despite his small stature, Richardson isn’t worried about his durability.

“I don’t have any concerns,” he said. “I never had any issues with an injury because of lack of size or anything. The one (injury) that I did have was a freak accident. I’m looking forward to having a healthy and durable career in the NFL.”